Camas Prairie Trapshooting Association

The Camas Prairie Trapshooting Association was dreamed up in the fall of 1953. Willard Smith of Craigmont is generally regarded as the originator of the idea of having seven small clubs become binding and competing against one another in a group to be call the Camas Prairie Trapshooting Association.

The seven small clubs who formed the original association were Winchester, Culdesac, Orofino, Cottonwood, Grangeville, Kamiah and Nezperce. Because each of the clubs was comprised of half a dozen or so veteran shooters, it was recognized that new blood and encouragement was necessary. Various means to this end were kicked around and it was the feeling of Smith and the others that the opportunity to win trophies was the theme, then perhaps this would provide the necessary inducement for them to join the fold. It is interesting to note tha over the years almost everyone one of the original members of the CPTA is still active in some way. In 1960, Riggins was also admitted.

The annual shoot-offs grew in popularity, and so it was that Troy-Deary, Pameroy, Colton, Pullman, St. Maries, Garfield, Pierce, Potlatch and Lewistion, who divided into Ranger, Shurshot, Victors, and Experts, asked to be admitted and were welcomed into the present association. In 1984 Coeur d’Alene and Endicott were added to the association. In 1986, Coeur d’Alene and Salmon River were dropped for non-participation and Hauser Lake was added. In 1987, Whitebird Gun Club was admitted. The annual shoot-off became so popular that it was one of the largest shoots held in the Northwest and Lewistion Gun Club has the only facility adequate to accommodate the large number of shooters wishing to attend.

The CPTA is proud of the accomplishment, and it’s easy to think back over the years and remember the first shoot-off when six or seven squads gathered for a non-registered go at the clay birds. No doubt some younger shooters would be amused if they could have seen the shooters shooting over old hand pulled traps located on the grounds that could only be called primitive. In many cases there were only four or five trap guns at an entire club so they were shared by the whole membership. Everyone took their turn setting birds, keeping score, and pulling traps. After a whirl in the traphouse and on the end of the pipe handle used to cock and release the trap, one felt like they had spent a hard day in the salt mines.

Then, as now, there were some pretty fancy scores testifying to the fact that the old boys were tough in anybody’s company, one would have thought that the thousands of dollars rested in the outcome of the early contests.

Proof that the original intentions of increasing the interested in shotgun shooting have been attained is also evident in the large membership and modern grounds and facilities enjoyed by all the clubs in the Camas Prairie Association. To name all the people responsible for the popularity and success of the CPTA would be impossible in this small space. We are especially prod of X.E. Durant, a past president of the ATA who was Chairman of the Central Handicap Committee for the ATA. Dan McKenzie of Troy has served as President of the ATA. in 1960 the CPTA was featured in Trap & Field magazine as a unique and noteworthy organization and focused national attention on our group.

To be a member of the Camas Prairie Trapshooting Association, shooters must be in a good standing with their CPTA club and shoot at least 6 scores at a CPTA Club. The only exceptions to this are for members with at least 10 years previous membership in the CPTA. The CPTA Dicrectors have the final ruling on CPTA membership in all cases. The 10 week competition starts on the second Sunday in January. All score must be from the a cold gun. This means the very first round of 25 shots of the day will be your CPTA score.

Junior Shooter Program:

A junior shooter is defined as 18 or under, and enrolled in school. Only the top three junior scores per club per week will be submitted to the CPTA. The score from the first box (AKA: cold gun) they shoot per week will count.

All Star Team:

For the Men’s All Star team it will consists of the men with the most 25’s during the 10 week shoot. Ties will be shoot-off at the CPTA Annual Handicap Shoot. For the Women’s All Star team it will consists of the women with the most 25’s during the 10 week shoot. Ties will be shoot-off at the CPTA Annual Handicap Shoot.

10 Week Club Trophies

Club Champion – Highest Score for the club during the 10 weeks

Club Champion Runner Up – The Second Highest Score for the club during the 10 weeks

Club Champion Junior Division – Highest Score qualifying Junior shooter for the club during the 10 weeks

Club Champion Runner Up Junior Division – The Second Highest Score qualifying Junior shooter for the club during the 10 weeks

The annual CPTA Handicap Shoot is the main competition or shoot that takes place after the 10 weeks is completed. It will be held a club that is designated by the CPTA Board of Directors, so please keep a look out for programs and notices at the clubs. Usually this shoot takes place in March and consists of 800 Registered ATA targets.

CPTA Team Classifications:

Three Person Team

Each club may enter as many three (3) person teams as it wishes, but no individual may appear on more than one team.

Four Person Team

Each club may enter as many four (4) person teams as it wishes, but no individual may appear on more than one team. Additionally, at least one member of the team must be a lady.

Five Person Team

The five (5) person team shall be composed of one shooter from each class (AA or A, B, C, D, New Shooter) and a new shooter who has never shot registered targets prior to September 1st. A club not having a shooting in each class may move one up from a lower class, but may not move one down from a higher class. If a club does not have a new shooter it may borrow one from another club. Only one team may be entered from each club.

Team trophies will be handed out at the annual Camas Prairie Handicap Shoot